12 Of The Best Getaways Within An Hour Of Auckland

Seeking an easy getaway within an hour of Auckland and with fun stuff like a private hot tub with countryside views and a walking track that takes you to a swimmable creek? An Chroí Villa is a three-bedroom Airbnb that has a strong family living game thanks to its multiple relaxation zones, large trampoline and spacious lawns.

Settle the kids down in front of the 65-inch Frame TV or pop on the Sonos speaker as you chef away in the kitchen. There are two gas fireplaces to keep you snug when the weather turns, and handy driveway parking for four or five cars.

Fancy treating yourself to a tasty lunch? Bracu Restaurant at Bracu Estate has a tempting seasonal menu and it has an olive grove which produces its own oil.

Embrace the tiny home vibes with a stay at Olives Nest, a serene and sun-soaked Airbnb overlooking the hills of Ramarama, an hour out of Auckland. 

Step inside here and you’ll be greeted by warm timber walls housing a bedroom, living room, full kitchen and bathroom, plus one side of the home is composed of glass doors so you can let that fresh Kiwi air flow right in.

Pour yourself a glass of something fab and head on out to the deck to sip away while taking in the view. There’s an outdoor bath to soak in later, plus games to play after dinner.

If you’re a couple who likes unique stays where you can combine romance with a little adventure, this glamping getaway is the perfect spot to consider. Situated in a remote spot, roughly an hour’s drive from Auckland, here you get the lure of off-grid living with creature comforts thrown in.

The fun starts as soon as you arrive, as you are provided with your very own golf cart. It means you get to navigate the 15-minute journey through the property to your glamping tent, before settling in for a stellar stay.

Your Airbnb may be made of wood and canvas, but it doesn’t scrimp on the luxe stuff. You get a proper bed to snooze in, a dining area with a barbecue and table, plus a full bathroom with a toilet and shower to keep you squeaky clean. All that, plus an outdoor bath for sunset soaks? We’re in!

Base yourself a mere hour from Auckland and within a simple toddle of one of it’s most famous attractions, the Muriwai Gannet Colony, at this two-bed studio that makes a perfect base for a small fam.

Settle into a squishy beanbag here and you can relax while gazing at the view of Maori Bay and Muriwai beach. You’re walking distance to the local cafe and playground which is pretty handy, and close to the stunning Te Henga walkway in case a spot of exploring calls.

Your hosts live on site at the apartment upstairs, and they let you know when you book whether they’ll be at home during your stay or not. Even if they are, the studio is self-contained and private and you have full access to the front yard.

Say yes to your very own pool house, sitting pretty within the grounds of Muriwai Estate, an hour out of Auckland. The Cabana suits couples or solo travellers wanting something a little bit luxe (reckon you can yourself sipping on something spesh in the hot tub perhaps?)

Inside, it’s all neutral tones and earthy pendant lighting. Outside, you’ve got peaceful walks to explore, a fire pit to snuggle around and the nearby Muriwai Beach to wander at your leisure.

We love how your hosts supply a continental breakfast basket for you, and there’s a kitchenette for whipping up a snack. Outside, you can crank up the barbecue for a sizzling summer lunch.

Comfortable, practical and just what you need when you’ve got the rascals (and the Fluffy One) in tow, Lockwood Bach is a family pad that gives you direct access to the sand of Omaha Beach via a walkway.

Doggo-owners will be pleased to note that this place comes fully-fenced, so those afternoon zoomies come well-catered for. Families, meanwhile, benefit from four bedrooms (one with two sets of bunks), and three bathrooms, so there’s plenty of space to spread out.

Head on out to the sunny deck with a cuppa, before heading out and about to explore. You’ve got Matakana Village and markets nearby, as well as wineries to sip at, and you could even do a spot of fishing if you fancy as there are boat ramps in the area too.

Just 12 minutes from Matakana Village, you can sink into this bright and breezy three-bedroom home, which gives you views out towards Little Barrier and beyond.

What’s handy about this place is that you’re near enough to town to go browse the shops or enjoy a restaurant meal, and yet your home away from home is lovely and peaceful.

Throw open the glass doors while you prep for dinner, and you can gaze out at the big blue. The full bathroom has a shower as well as a bath for the kiddos, and there’s plenty of lawn space for a family game. Our fave bit? The outdoor hot tub which pairs perfectly with a spot of stargazing.

Immerse yourself in Bali vibes with a stay at this beautifully tropical Airbnb, just 50 minutes north of Auckland and five from Matakana Village. If the idea of an adults-only stay with a private garden and a seating terrace where you can wind down for a while tempts, this is the place for you.

Your home is a reconstructed stable that was relocated from a family farm in Wanganui. It’s unique in design, with a master bedroom featuring a super king bed, as well as a full kitchen, laundry, plus a TV and dining zone. 

If a beach trip calls, you’re walking distance to Omaha Beach and your hosts supply essentials to make that beach day a breeze. Point Wells local store is nearby if you need provisions too.

Gather the gang and get ready to feel on top of the world at Piha House, an Airbnb with epic views of Piha Beach and Lion Rock. Book a stay here and you can expect to be surrounded by native forest, high up on the Te Ahuahu ridge-line, making for a memorable getaway.

Inside, your Airbnb is modern, with big glass doors that let the outside in and three bedrooms, one with two sets of bunks for the small peeps. The outside space is kid-friendly too, with a full sized trampoline, treehouse with slide and rope climb, multiple swings, and basketball hoop. Phew!

Beach trip on the cards? Piha Beach is five minutes by car, and Karekare Beach just eight minutes so there’s plenty of time for a splashabout.

If you’re two couples searching for a getaway near Auckland that has a large back deck for entertaining and dining and the added bonus of a private hot tub, FivePendrell is well worth a squiz.

This two-bedroom modern Airbnb sits in a remote spot among native bush with views of Piha Beach. It’s close to the scenic walking trails of the Mercer Bay Loop and Kitekite Falls, and is close to a good cafe, surf club and bowlo which offer food should you want to eat out.

It’s worth noting that the nearest grocery store is around 30 minute away, so if you’re staying in, stock up. There’s a full kitchen to make use of, and a barbecue you can get sizzling. Plus, your hosts supply fresh coffee for that morning cuppa. Win!

Get a taste of the Mediterranean within a drive of the city at The Dreamer’s Night Inn, a restored 1800s settler's cottage with a cedar hot tub that sits beneath fifty-year-old olive trees.

Here, two couples can enjoy a getaway perched on the tip of a private peninsula looking out over the waters of Kaipara Harbour. Inside, you can expect warm timber and vintage touches, while outside you’ve got a charming wraparound verandah to meander.

This place is dog-friendly, and there’s a private pathway that winds down to the water's edge, where your pup will love to play at low tide. At high tide, perhaps a spot of fishing floats your boat?

One hour from the bright lights of Auckland you can escape to Fable Hills, a cosy cabin sitting high in the Clevedon Hills. Book in a stay here and you can expect tiny home feels with some seriously big valley views and glimpses of the Pacific Ocean, the Tasman Sea and Auckland. 

Wake in your king size bed and you can look right out through the glass doors to the greenery beyond. Your hosts supply yoga mats for your use, as well as indoor and outdoor games to play with your fave one.

Later, we reckon you might want to fire up the barbecue, or take to the clawfoot outdoor bath for a soak under the stars, before snuggling around the fire pit.